RIO DE JANEIRO - Several hooded thieves raided the apartment of Rio de Janeiro's Governor Luiz Fernando Pezao, located in an exclusive neighborhood of the city, official sources reported Monday.

The police opened an investigation to probe the incident, which took place on May 10, according to a statement released by authorities.

The investigators requested all images captured on security cameras around the apartment located in the residential neighborhood of Leblon, near the famous beach of Ipanema, in order to identify the four suspects.

Authorities reported Monday night that two of the suspects were arrested. They were allegedly part of a domestic burglary gang from Sao Paulo.

The robbery occurred only one day after about 300 extra security agents from the National Public Security Force were stationed in the city to reinforce security and contain violence, which has increased notably in recent months, especially in the slums.

The police force will remain in Rio de Janeiro for an initial period of 90 days, but the deadline could be extended if requested by state authorities.

The security personnel was deployed at the request of Pezao himself, who noted that the city did not have sufficient resources to increase the police force.

The insecurity in Rio de Janeiro has escalated after the celebration of the 2016 Olympic Games and the resulting deterioration of the state's economy.

Rio de Janeiro has suffered several clashes between police and several alleged criminal groups, especially in the the city's slums, where several teenagers fell victim to stray bullets fired during the clashes.

The recent incident marked the second time Pezao's apartment was broken into. The first time occurred in April 2012, when Pezao, who was then deputy governor of Rio, was robbed of all his jewelry.

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